PEOPLE with degenerative diseases and their carers learnt how a local support service can help them stay active for longer on Friday (September 23).

The HOPE MS centre, in Neyland, threw open its doors for an informal information day, where visitors could find out more about this important service - which relies heavily on donations from the public - helps people with multiple sclerosis (MS) or motor neurone disease (MND).

The revolutionary treatment centre celebrates 30 years this year, and staff and volunteers were on hand to show how the oxygen therapy and physiotherapy it offers can help people maintain movement and ease their symptoms.

Also in attendance were the mayor of Neyland, deputy mayor of Milford Haven, MPs Simon Hart and Stephen Crabb, and dignitaries from across Pembrokeshire.

Liz Brombley has MS, and has used the centre for many years.

She said people may not be aware that HOPE could also help people who have recently suffered a stroke.

“Long-term therapy can be particularly beneficial to people who have had a minor stroke, if therapy is started as soon as possible after NHS sessions finish,” she said.

“The more people who know we’re here, the more we can help."

The centre is keen to attract new volunteers and fundraisers, to ensure it can keep helping the hundreds of patients to whom it is so essential.

To find out more about the therapies on offer, to volunteer, or to make a donation, contact the centre at any time Monday to Thursday by telephoning 01646 600384.

You can also make a one-off donation by visiting pembrokeshiremstherapycentre.co.uk.

Open throughout the week, and helping around 60 people a month – some of these daily - the centre’s annual costs now total around £107,000.

Of this, around £30,000 comes from the local health board, £15,000 from members, and £15,000 from Pembrokeshire Parkinson’s Group, which uses the centre on Wednesdays.

The shortfall comes entirely from the centre’s fundraising committee, and donations.